Week 3 ~ Readings in John's Gospel

Jesus said – "I AM the Bread of Life"

Intro: Last week we read of Jesus telling the woman at the well that "I AM He" - the Messiah, the longed for Saviour of the Jewish people. In the Old Testament God introduces Himself as

"I AM" (Exodus 3:13,14).  Now as we read on, we begin to see Jesus revealing Himself and the Father as the "I AM", the One Who is continually the same and always consistent in His love for us.  Jesus says He is the Bread of Life, the One Who is our food, our nourishment and our very life as we come to Him.  Note also through this week's readings how often Jesus mentions His Father, and how close their relationship is.

NB: Remember to use the Re-MAP guide to reading each day, and you will be learning more and more to hear God speak personally to you!

Day 1:   John 5:1-15

               This is the third miracle that John chooses to write about in detail. Each one is a "sign" or demonstration of His character and nature. Just look at the opposites in this story. On one side, the love and healing power of Jesus, and on the other, the petty arguments and condemning tradition of religiosity! Here Jesus walks into a hopeless situation with a question, "Do you want to be well?" Jesus cuts to the core of our heart desires when He comes on the scene. And, no matter how long we have been held down or trapped by sickness, depression, debt, addiction, fear or any other bondage – the question is the same "Do you want to be well?" The man jumped in with excuses – but "Jesus knew" his whole situation and gave him the power to rise up and step out of 38 years of being a crippled invalid. Consider what this might mean for you.

Day 2:    John 5:16-30

              "The Father loves the Son" This passage contains some things we may not understand, but here is the central truth. Everything that Jesus does is because He is secure in His Father's love and does nothing without His Father. And the Father wants us to know that same love. Jesus calls us in verse 24 to hear His Word and believe in the One Who sent Him and we will have that eternal life, knowing this love of the Father, free from condemnation and judgement.  If everything that Jesus does is what the Father is doing, think about what Jesus' ministry shows us about God our Father? And, if it is Jesus' joy and desire to do the Father's will, should that also be our desire and prayer?

             

Day 3:    John 5:31-47

              Jesus is not willing to compromise an inch with the unbelief around Him. Here He tells of 4 witnesses to His being truly God – find them in  verses 33, 36, 37 and 39. All these speak of Jesus power, authority and that He has been sent by the Father. The challenges He throws at the religious Jews challenge us today. Eternal life does not come by being a Bible scholar, but by coming to Jesus Himself. Look at the negatives which Jesus brings, and work out the positives He requires of us!

                     "You are not willing to come to Me"

                     "You do not have the love of God in you"

                     "You do not receive Me"

                     "You receive honour from one another, not seeking God's honour."

Day 4:    John 6:1-14

              Jesus returns to Galilee and the quietness of the mountainside with His disciples. He may have wanted "time out" but the great crowds follow Him. They have seen His wonderful miracles and flock to Jesus. Now there is a problem – they are out in the wilds and the crowds are hungry. Jesus asks a question, again knowing the answer! One amazing thing to notice in this story, the fourth "sign", is that Jesus takes note of what they have, rather than what they lack. The disciples point out the shortage and impossibility – "Even 200 sliced loaves would not feed this mob!" It was Andrew who brought the lad with his picnic to Jesus. Think about what Jesus did with this little lunchbox! He doesn't think or speak lack. He thanks His Father for the provision they have and abundance results. What does this story show of God's heart towards us?

             

Day 5:    John 6:15-21

              The people wanted to make Jesus into a celebrity – not much different from people today! But Jesus does not need honour from men and has a different mission – it was not about being an earthly king! He went off quietly up the mountain by Himself, no doubt to have time with His Father, while His disciples got into a boat to cross the Lake. The storm ensues. Imagine how amazed and scared these men were when they saw this 'apparition' walking over the waves towards them! It was dark too. So He must have been shining with the glory of God on Him! "It is I" Here is God, the "I AM" coming into the midst of the storm and saying "Don't be afraid!" Can you believe in a Jesus for Whom nothing is impossible? Forces of nature have to bow to His authority! He walks over the storms of our lives, comes into our struggles, and WILL bring us safely to the other side!

Day 6:    John 6:22-40

              The crowd are really puzzled as to how Jesus got across the Lake! Jesus is always full of surprises and is not constricted by the normal of our daily lives. The people are still seeking amazing signs. How does Jesus answer their question about what we must DO to do the works of God? Obeying God is about 'believing' and entrusting our lives to Jesus, not about 'doing'! He is the Bread of Life! Jesus points them to the eternal life promised by the Father. Again and again, Jesus stresses the importance of coming to HIM, believing and receiving HIS life. No more hunger, no more thirst when we believe in Jesus. AND the Father will never reject us. What a message. Once His child, always His child! Think about that! Notice again how Jesus only does the will of His Father. Also He tells clearly and plainly in verse 40 what the will of the Father is! Write this out, and pray it for your friends and family!

Day 7:    John 6:41-59

              The religious people are grumbling and arguing again! They just cannot believe that Jesus has been sent from Heaven. Look again at v45 and ask God to help you be one who hears and learns from Him. Again Jesus says "I AM the Bread of Life". He reminds these religious Jews of the heavenly bread(manna) that God provided in the desert when their ancestors had escaped from Egypt. This still only fed their bodies and they died – but we will not die if we eat and drink the life of Jesus Himself!  Earth-bound minds cannot understand the spiritual truth that Jesus is bringing here. They think only in terms of eating natural food. Jesus is speaking spiritually.  He wants our lives to be completely dependent on and nourished by His life in us.

Summary: Eating the Bread of Life! What does it mean? Look at the three miracles in these readings and think about what God is showing you of His love, provision, protection and life for you through Jesus.